Sam Allardyce, the Newcastle United manager, has expressed his relief after it was revealed that the buy-out clause in Michael Owen's current contract is due to expire tomorrow.

The former Magpies's chairman, Freddy Shepherd, had said the £9.5m release clause must be activated by July 31 by any interested club. "I will be very happy if that is the case," said Allardyce. "But I suppose it means someone has until Tuesday to sign him."

The England forward, missed yesterday's 2-0 friendly win over the Italian Serie B champions, Juventus, with a thigh strain. However, Allardyce added: "I will be disappointed if he does not make the team to face Hull City on Wednesday."